Rahul Gandhi appeared in the MP-MLA Court in Lucknow regarding the case concerning his remarks on the army. There was heavy security and the presence of Congress leaders in the court. The next hearing in the case will be held on July 22.
Rahul Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi recently appeared in the MP-MLA Court in Lucknow in connection with an alleged remark he made on the Indian Army. A defamation petition was filed against him in this case by Uday Shankar Srivastava, a former director of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Rahul Gandhi is accused of making a remark during the Bharat Jodo Yatra that damaged the reputation of the Indian Army regarding the Galwan clash.
Debate between Congress leaders and police upon reaching the court
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi appeared in the MP-MLA Court in Lucknow. Several senior leaders of the state Congress and a large number of supporters were also present with him. When Rahul's convoy reached the court premises from the airport, the atmosphere was completely colored in political hues. Several leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari, former minister Nasuruddin Siddiqui, and MP Tanuj Punia, were present with Rahul Gandhi.
However, a tense situation arose in the court premises when the police stopped senior Congress leaders from entering. While Rahul Gandhi's convoy was allowed to enter, a heated argument ensued between the police and the leaders when other leaders were stopped. There was a commotion outside the court premises for some time.
What is the whole matter?
This entire matter is related to Rahul Gandhi's remark that he made on December 16, 2022, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Referring to the clash between the Indian and Chinese armies on the border of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9, Rahul said, "People ask questions about the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but no one raises questions about the beating of our soldiers by Chinese soldiers."
Retired officer Uday Shankar Srivastava filed a complaint in court regarding Rahul Gandhi's statement. He alleged that the statement not only demoralized the Indian Army but also caused him and other military personnel personal mental distress.
The army gave an official reaction
Immediately after this statement, the Indian Army issued an official press statement on December 12. The army clarified that Chinese soldiers had attempted to encroach on the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, but Indian soldiers had repelled them with full force. The army also clarified that Indian soldiers had maintained complete control over the situation and that the Indian side did not suffer any serious losses in the clash.
Congress' reaction
The Congress party has defended Rahul Gandhi's statement. The party says that Rahul's intention was not to insult the army but to seek accountability from the government. Congress leaders also say that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul only raised questions related to the security of the country, and did not say anything to damage the image of any institution.
